The city pulsed with life beyond the apartment window, horns blaring, laughter spilling from late-night diners

You stood near the window, tracing the rim of your half-empty wine glass, your reflection flickering against the glass

The sound of ice clinking against crystal filled the silence, followed by the slow steps of someone who wasn’t supposed to be here

You didn’t turn, his presence filled the room effortlessly, as if he had never left. He was still carrying that untouchable confidence, but there was a distance. A hesitation in the way he leaned by the door

"I figured you’d be here" his voice came low and even, edged with something unreadable

You exhaled, pressing the cool rim of the glass to your lips "Of course you did"

There was a pause, heavy between you, the city carried, old lovers under dim apartment lights

"You’re upset"

Finally, you turned, He stood with his hands in his pockets, his stance relaxed but guarded. His expression was unreadable

"You just disappeared" you murmured, voice softer now

Tord exhaled, his gaze dropping for a fraction of a second before meeting yours again "I thought it was better that way"

"Better for who?"

He didn’t answer

The music played on a tune so intimate it felt like the city itself was watching

"You should’ve called" you whispered

"I know"

Another silence, thick with the ghosts of everything left unsaid. He took a step closer, the scent of him, smoke and something unmistakably Tord, stirring memories you had tried to bury.

"I didn’t know how to come back" he admitted "Didn’t know if I should"

Your fingers curled around the stem of the glass "And now that you’re here?

His lips parted, but whatever answer he had died before it could be spoken. Instead, he reached into his pocket, pulled out something small, and set it on the table. A matchbook from a bar you used to go to together

"Keep it" he said

And just like that, he turned toward the door, his steps slow. He hesitated just for a moment before disappearing into the hallway

The door clicked shut